Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) - two popular linear switches that are known for their budget-friendly price tags. The G Pro 3.0 Red is designed to provide a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, making it responsive yet easy to use. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. It also offers a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a classic budget switch that embodies smoothness and buttery goodness. It boasts a low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. With its versatile performance, it has become the go-to switch for budget enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their choice of housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red a great choice for those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) with its nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Typing on this switch would create a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the two options.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share the same nylon material. Nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a dull and round sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, both switches would provide a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sounds.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials for a switch has a significant impact on the sound profile when pressing and letting go of a key. The bottom housing, in this case, would have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing would affect the sound when releasing a key. Considering this, the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing would result in a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing would provide a more rounded and mellow sound. Ultimately, the difference in housing materials allows users to select their preferred sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ slightly, providing different experiences for users. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires a relatively gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. While this difference may be subtle, it can affect the typing experience for those who prefer a lighter or heavier touch.
Similarly, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 50 grams, which means it requires a bit more force to fully press the key down. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that when typing on the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), users will experience a more substantial and satisfying pressing feel as they fully depress the keys.
If someone prefers a lighter typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be the ideal choice, as both the actuation force and bottom out force are lighter compared to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). However, if someone prefers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a better option with its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches differ, they both offer unique typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a heavier touch for those who prefer a more substantial and impactful typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
The Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory experience. It offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. It provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch is also gentle and approachable, standing in a safe middle-ground zone with its sound and feel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is described as buttery and textured. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. However, some users may prefer the noticeable friction or subtle texture that the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch exhibits.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and textured typing feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a smooth typing experience and a balanced sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with noticeable friction during key presses, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is the right choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force, you can expect a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a "thocky" sound profile, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the perfect switch for you. It is known for its smoothness and buttery goodness, making it ideal for both gaming and typing purposes. The low and bass-heavy sound profile adds depth and richness to your keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is a popular choice among budget enthusiasts looking for an all-purpose switch.
Ultimately, your decision between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics and advantages, so consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience when making your choice. Whether you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience or a buttery and textured keystroke, Gateron has you covered with these two exceptional switches.
Mentioned in this article
